Fire engulfs timber warehouse in Heraklion, Crete, threatening nearby homes
A large fire broke out at a timber warehouse in the Lofoupoli area of Heraklion, Crete, on Thursday afternoon, sending thick black smoke across the city and prompting a major firefighting response as flames burned close to residential buildings.
Fire breaks out
A fire erupted at a timber warehouse in Heraklion, Crete, around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, 25 June 2026. The blaze started in the Lofoupoli area, near Agios Ioannis, and quickly intensified due to the highly flammable materials stored on site. Thick black smoke became visible from large parts of the city, according to multiple local reports.
Emergency response
Firefighting forces were mobilised immediately. A total of 18 firefighters with 6 vehicles and 1 helicopter were deployed to the scene. The Hellenic Fire Service is making every effort to contain the fire. Throughout the incident, the National Coordination Centre for Operations and Crisis Management (ESKEDIK) has been receiving a continuous feed from a drone equipped with optical and thermal cameras.
Threat to residents
The fire is burning dangerously close to homes in what is described as a populated residential area. The proximity of the flames to houses has heightened concern among residents and authorities alike. The intensity of the fire, fuelled by the timber and pallets inside the warehouse, has made containment efforts challenging.
Investigation launched
The Heraklion Arson Investigation Unit has arrived at the scene to determine the cause of the fire. The circumstances under which the fire started remain unknown at this stage.
Visible impact
Black smoke rising from the factory site has been visible from many parts of Heraklion, causing alarm across the wider area. No injuries have been reported in the initial dispatches.
